Oct 5 Celebrations: The ancient Silk Road brought to light at China National Day

On September 23, Chinese Consulate General in Christchurch held the reception to celebrate the 67th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

More than 200 people attended the function, including Customs and Disability issues Minister Nicky Wagner, Members of Parliament Megan Woods, Ruth Dyson, Poto Williams and Joanna Hayes, Special Advisor and Director Christchurch for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Amb. Phillip Gibson, Christchurch Mayor Lianne Dalziel and 6 other South Island Mayors, and friends from various circles, representatives of Chinese community, Chinese enterprises and overseas students in the consular districts.

The "Silk Road-A New Look" photo exhibition was also held on the spot of the reception at the same time and was well received. The reception was held in a warm and festive atmosphere, and guests sang high praise for the new achievements of China's development, wishing the bilateral friendly cooperation would keep stepping forward.

Chinese Consul General Jin Zhijian said in his remarks that 2016 is the opening year of China's 13th Five-Year Plan, and also marks the beginning of the decisive stage leading up to the building of a moderately prosperous society.

"2016 is a fruitful year for China's diplomacy. The One Belt One Road initiative has received positive responses from more than 100 countries and international organizations, and China has signed related cooperation agreements with more than 30 countries," Zhijian added.

On NZ-China relationship, he noted, "2016 is a year of continuous development for China-New Zealand relationship. Prime Minister John Key made his sixth visit to China in April, and Chinese Premier Li Keqiang met with him again several days ago in New York."

"China has been New Zealand's largest trading partner for the past three consecutive years, and the number of Chinese tourists in New Zealand grew fast.More Chinese enterprises have made investment in the South Island. The number of Chinese students studying in the South Island has been increasing steadily, and nearly ten thousand local Kiwis are learning Chinese. After the successful launching of the direct flights between Christchurch and Guangzhou in December last year, China Southern has decided to increase the number of flights from three to five times per week by December this year, which will further facilitate the trade and personnel exchanges between China and the South Island."

- The above story and picture is courtesy the Chinese Consulate in Christchurch.